I rode motorcycles in my early teens. That was about 30 years ago. I took a motorcycle safety course offered on a military base a few years ago with the intention of buying a bike. Had other things come up. This was a northern tier base.
I retired and moved to a warmer climate with a longer riding season and I'm looking for something primarily for a ten mile commute.
I was ready to buy an 800 cc Suzuki Boulevard; but it was already sold. My wife really wants me to get the Harley, but the Yamaha already has some accessories that I like. I'm looking at another $1000+ if I get the Harley and have them added.
The Yamaha was marked down from (IIRC) 13K to 9.
If you just want a good, dependable bike, go with the rice-grinder.
Suithe
There's something to be said for that...and it's nearly universal. I rode Harleys for years.
With this recession you can get a damn nice Harley for $10-12k. You can get them serviced and get parts for them in any berg in America.
They don't break anymore, start every time, first time.
They also hold their value better than any other bike...and they ARE prettier than all others.
And, I like that fact that they weigh 700+ pounds. The heavier the road bike the better the ride...and they DO rid3e very very well.
And yes, they are slower than any other big bike on the road.
My experience with Yamaha is with my Waverunner. It uses the MR-1 engine, which is the marine version of the R-1 engine. Absolutely dependable. I’ve run 120+ mile trips with it on the St Johns, and out in the ocean I’ve been as far as 20 miles offshore with no concerns. It starts. It runs, and it doen’t slurp fuel. I’ve been out with Kawasaki and Polaris riders who have to haul extra gas to make the trips, and I come back with a few gallon left, even though they have bigger tanks to start.
What “accessories”?
We’re dealers for most companies and can get them for you 10% above cost.